Man named over alleged attack on MP Helen Haines

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 03:02 · Archive

Brendan Nugent, 43, has been named as the man arrested over an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines in Victoria.

Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old from Tarrawingee in Victoria's north-east, has been named as the man arrested over an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Police allege Nugent drove a Toyota Land Cruiser at the scene in Wangaratta on Monday night. Haines was airlifted to Melbourne's Alfred hospital where she underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.

Nugent is a long-term forestry campaigner with a master's degree in forest ecosystems science from the University of Melbourne. He has spent years researching the forestry industry and was a committee member for the Save our Strathbogie Forest Group, which campaigns against logging in the region. He became inactive around 2019–20 and is a registered business owner in Wangaratta.

Bertrand Lobert, chairman of the Save our Strathbogie Forest Group, expressed shock at Nugent's arrest. 'He was engaging, he was thoughtful and to hear what has happened now, if it all turns out to be true, is just completely shocking,' Lobert said. Environment campaigners who worked with Nugent several years ago have also expressed surprise.

How it is being reported

• Helen Haines' accused attacker identified as Brendan NugentThe man accused of mowing down federal Independent MP Helen Haines with a car has been identified as Brendan Nugent.The Sydney Morning Herald · 20 Oct, 02:38
• Brendan Nugent named as driver apprehended over alleged attack on Helen HainesPolice allege 43-year-old Tarrawingee man who drove Toyota LandCruiser was arrested at the scene in Wangaratta Helen Haines’ alleged attacker has been named as 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, Guardian Australia has confirmed. Nugent is a long-term forestry campaigner in the state’s north east. Environment campaigners who worked with Nugent several years ago have expressed shock at his arrest. Continue reading...Guardian Australia · 20 Oct, 02:12

In this story: Helen Haines · Brendan Nugent · Wangaratta · Victoria · Save our Strathbogie Forest Group · University of Melbourne · Alfred hospital

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem